Blow molded plastic container with integrated spout

ABSTRACT

A plastic container having a main body defining an interior space and a finish defining a mouth in fluid communication with the interior space. The finish has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall of generally uniform thickness surrounding the mouth. The circumferential wall has an upper edge with a perimeter flange and a pair of tabs projecting radially inward from the circumferential wall, the tabs defining a spout therebetween. The container is made by disposing a plastic material suitable for a blow molding process within a mold cavity, the mold cavity being configured to form a hollow blow-molded article comprising the main body and the finish as described with a moil portion extending from the perimeter flange in a direction opposite the main body. The container is made by further inflating the plastic material within the mold cavity, and removing the moil portion. The blow-molded article is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/185,708, filed on Nov. 9, 2018, the contents of which areincorporated in this application by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The disclosed subject matter relates to plastic containers havingdirectional pour designs including integrated spouts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Plastic containers are well known and widely used for a variety ofapplications, including the storage, shipment, and sale of various fluidor flowable products. Such plastic containers provide numerousadvantages over containers made of glass, metals and/or composites. Inmany applications, it can be desirable to provide directional pourcapability to allow a fluid or similar flowable product to flow from thecontainer in a defined direction toward a desirable location, such as adose cup. Such fluids or flowable products can include medicines,beverages, personal hygiene products, beauty products, and household andindustrial cleaning liquids, including detergents, solvents,disinfectants, and polishes. Traditionally, a separate spout componentis needed and assembled to the container or bottle to provide suchdirectional pour capability, which adds operations and cost to thepackage. Therefore, it can be desirable to provide a plastic containerthat can be manufactured and/or assembled with an integrated directionalpour spout to reduce manufacture operations and costs.

Furthermore, containers for fluid or flowable products often must besealed, such as by a foam liner along the seam and/or mouth of thecontainer to prevent leakage. Traditional compression foam liners canleak over time, particularly if such containers are not positionedupright. This issue is particularly relevant with the advent ofindividual sales (e.g., online sales), wherein packages often may not bemaintained in an upright position, resulting in leakage during handlingand shipping. Furthermore, containers with spouts often are difficult orunable to be securely sealed due to the overall contour of the spout.Therefore, it can be desirable to provide a container with directionalpour that is capable of being sealed and will hold up to shipping andhandling conditions.

There thus remains a continued need for improved containers withdirectional pour capability for dispensing a fluid or similar flowableproduct. There further remains a need for such containers that can allowfor robust sealing to prevent leaking during shipping and handling.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The purposes and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be setforth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well aswill be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additionaladvantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attainedby the subject matter particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with thepurposes of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied herein and broadlydescribed, the disclosed subject matter includes a method of making ablow-molded plastic container, comprising disposing a plastic materialsuitable for a blow molding process in a mold cavity configured to forma hollow article, inflating the plastic material within the mold cavityto form the hollow article, and removing a moil portion of the hollowarticle. The hollow article comprises a main body portion defining aninterior space, a finish portion defining a mouth in fluid communicationwith the interior space, and a moil portion. The finish portion has asubstantially cylindrical circumferential wall of generally uniformthickness surrounding the mouth, and the circumferential wall has anupper edge with a perimeter flange and a pair of tabs projectingradially inward from the circumferential wall, with the pair of tabsdefining a spout therebetween. The moil portion extends from theperimeter flange in a direction opposite the main body portion before itis removed therefrom.

As embodied herein, the tabs can have a variety of suitableconfigurations. For example, the tabs can extend within a plane definedby the perimeter flange. Furthermore, the tabs can also be arcuate inplan view. Additionally, the tabs can be spaced apart at least 10degrees about the perimeter edge to define the spout therebetween.

As embodied herein, removing the moil portion can comprise cuttingbetween the perimeter flange and the moil portion to form a perimeteredge. As embodied herein, removing the moil portion can comprise cuttingbetween the perimeter flange and the moil portion to form a perimeteredge having a bevel angled between about 0 and about 10 degrees from aplane defined by the perimeter flange.

Additionally, or alternatively, removing the moil portion can comprisecutting at a distance spaced from the perimeter flange in the directionopposite the main body portion to create a lip extending upwardly fromthe perimeter flange and the pair of tabs. In this manner, removing themoil portion can comprise cutting between the lip and the moil along aplane parallel to the plane defined by the perimeter flange.Additionally, or alternately, removing the moil portion can comprisecutting between the lip and the moil portion to form a planar perimeteredge having a bevel angled between about 0 and about 10 degrees from theplane defined by the planar perimeter edge.

Furthermore, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, thecircumferential wall can comprise a fastener for fastening a cap to thefinish portion.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, aplastic container is provided comprising a main body portion defining aninterior space, and a finish portion defining a mouth in fluidcommunication with the interior space. The finish portion has asubstantially cylindrical circumferential wall of generally uniformthickness surrounding the mouth, the circumferential wall having anupper edge with a perimeter flange and a pair of tabs projectingradially inward from the circumferential wall, the pair of tabs defininga spout therebetween. The blow-molded plastic container of the disclosedsubject matter is made by disposing a plastic material suitable for ablow molding process within a mold cavity, the mold cavity beingconfigured to form a hollow blow-molded article comprising the main bodyportion, and the finish portion as described with a moil portionextending from the perimeter flange in a direction opposite the mainbody portion. The blow-molded plastic container is made by furtherinflating the plastic material within the mold cavity, and removing themoil portion.

Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a hollowblow-molded plastic article is provided for making a blow-molded plasticcontainer, comprising a main body portion defining an interior space anda finish portion defining a mouth in fluid communication with theinterior space. The finish portion has a substantially cylindricalcircumferential wall of generally uniform thickness surrounding themouth, the circumferential wall has an upper edge with a perimeterflange and a pair of tabs projecting radially inward from thecircumferential wall, and the pair of tabs defines a spout therebetween.The hollow blow-molded plastic article further comprises a moil portionextending from the perimeter flange in a direction opposite the mainbody portion.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description and drawings are examples and areprovided for purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a furtherunderstanding of the devices of the disclosed subject matter. Togetherwith the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles ofthe disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the application will be more readily understoodfrom the following detailed description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary plastic container madefrom a hollow blow-molded article in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter, with the moil portion removed;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary plastic container of FIG. 1 madein accordance with the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the exemplary plastic container of FIG. 1 madein accordance with the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of the exemplary plasticcontainer of FIG. 1 made in accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top front view of an exemplary hollow blow-moldedarticle for making a plastic container in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of the exemplary hollow blow-moldedarticle of FIG. 5 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top perspective view of the hollow blow-moldedarticle of FIG. 5 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another exemplary plastic containermade in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, wherein the finishportion further includes a lip;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of mold cavity used in accordance withthe disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional detailed view of the finishportion of an exemplary container having a perimeter edge with a bevelangled from plane defined by the perimeter flange in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional detailed view of the finishportion of an exemplary container having a perimeter flange defining aplane angled relative to a reference plane defined by the bottom supportsurface of the main body portion in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 10C is an enlarged cross-sectional detailed view of the finishportion of an exemplary container having a lip with a bevel angled froma plane defined by the planar perimeter edge in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter;

FIG. 10D is an enlarged cross-sectional detailed view of the finishportion of an exemplary container having a lip with a planar perimeteredge defining a plane angled relative to a plane defined by the bottomsupport surface of the main body portion in accordance with thedisclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of an exemplary plastic container madefrom a hollow blow-molded article in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter, with an induction seal affixed to a planar surface oredge of the finish portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed subject matter,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Particularly, the disclosed subject matter will be described inconjunction with a detailed description of the method and system formaking a plastic container having a directional pour spout made from ahollow blow-molded plastic article.

As disclosed herein, plastic containers disclosed herein can be used toprovide directional pour to dispense a fluid or flowable product in adefined direction toward a desirable location, e.g., to a dose cup. Suchfluids or flowable products can include medicines, beverages, personalhygiene products, beauty products, and household and industrial cleaningproducts, including detergents, solvents, disinfectants, and polishes.The plastic containers disclosed herein can also be used for storingsuch products when closed and sealed for shipping and handling withlittle or no leakage from the finish portion while still providing adesired directional pour when opened and in use. The containersdisclosed herein have a finish portion with an integral directional pourspout and a generally planar surface or edge about the entirety of a topperimeter so as to allow a seal to be provided thereto. The containercan further include ergonomic features to provide an easy removal of theseal.

In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, a method of making ablow-molded plastic container having an integral directional pour spoutand a hollow blow-molded article for making such a plastic container areprovided. The plastic container of the disclosed subject matter includesa main body portion defining an interior space, and a finish portiondefining a mouth in fluid communication with the interior space. Thefinish portion has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall ofgenerally uniform thickness surrounding the mouth, wherein thecircumferential wall has an upper edge with a perimeter flange and apair of tabs projecting radially inward from the circumferential wall.The pair of tabs define a spout therebetween. To make the plasticcontainer of the disclosed subject matter, a hollow blow-molded articleis formed comprising the main body portion and the finish portion of theplastic container, and further comprising a moil portion extending fromthe perimeter flange in a direction opposite the main body portion.

The method of the disclosed subject matter comprises disposing a plasticmaterial suitable for a blow molding process within a mold cavityconfigured to form a hollow blow-molded article comprising a main bodyportion defining an interior space, and a finish portion defining amouth in fluid communication with the interior space. The finish portionhas a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall of generallyuniform thickness surrounding the mouth, wherein the circumferentialwall has an upper edge with a perimeter flange and a pair of tabsprojecting radially inward from the circumferential wall. The pair oftabs define a spout therebetween. Additionally, the hollow blow-moldedarticle formed by the mold cavity has a moil portion extending from theperimeter flange in a direction opposite the main body portion. Themethod further comprises inflating the plastic material within the moldcavity to form the hollow article, and removing the moil portion fromthe perimeter flange.

For purpose of understanding, and in accordance with another aspect ofthe disclosed subject matter, reference is made to an exemplaryembodiment made by the method disclosed herein. For purpose ofillustration and not limitation, FIG. 1 shows a plastic container 100,made in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, including a mainbody portion 110 defining an interior space, and a finish portion 120defining a mouth 130 in fluid communication with the interior space,wherein the finish portion 120 is unitary with the main body portion 110and a spout 170 is unitary with the finish portion 120. In this manner,manufacturing operations and the materials costs can be reduced. As usedherein, the term “unitary” is intended to mean formed as a single piecesuch as by blow molding or the like.

FIGS. 2-4 provide alternate views of the exemplary container 100depicted in FIG. 1 for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Themain body portion 110 of container 100 can define a longitudinal axis a.

Any suitable size and shape of main body portion 110 can be used inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter. For example, the main bodyportion can be of a size capable of holding a desired amount of fluid orflowable product. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, themain body portion can be configured to hold, for example, 12 ounces, 24ounces, 36 ounces, one gallon, or other amounts. Furthermore, inaccordance with the disclosed subject matter, the main body portion canbe of various suitable or desired shapes. For example, and for purposeof illustration and not limitation, the main body portion can begenerally shaped as any suitable shape, such as an ovoid, prism, or thelike. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a main bodyportion shaped generally as a prism can have a base of a generallycircular, ellipsoidal, rectangular, polygonal, or other shape.Additionally, the main body portion can comprise an upper portion, suchas a dome or the like, a base portion, a handle portion, and/or otherportions or features as known in the art. Furthermore, the main bodyportion can include structural features known in the art, such as ribs,radiused portions, grooves, vacuum panels, and the like. Thus, the mainbody portion of the container made in accordance with the disclosedsubject matter can have a wide variety of suitable sizes and shapes.

As embodied herein, the finish portion 120 has a substantiallycylindrical circumferential wall 140 of generally uniform thicknesssurrounding the mouth 130. For example, as understood by those skilledin the art, a conventional blow molding process can produce containershaving a generally uniform thickness, with features and contours thereofbeing formed of material of the same generally-uniform thickness. Inthis manner, the circumferential wall 140 has an upper edge 141 with aperimeter flange 150 and a pair of tabs 160 projecting radially inwardfrom the circumferential wall 140. The pair of tabs 160 are configuredto define the spout 170 therebetween. If desired, however, a containerof generally uniform thickness can be provided wherein selected featurescan be provided with a different thickness, for example features havinga greater thickness can be formed and/or attached to a container portionhaving generally uniform thickness for stiffness or support. As usedherein, the “generally uniform thickness” of the circumferential walltherefore refers to the circumferential wall, and not necessarily thethickness or effective thickness of any fasteners or features thereon.

With reference to FIG. 3, the circumferential wall 140 is substantiallycylindrical. For example, as embodied herein, the circumferential wall140 has a circular shape in plan view. However, other suitable shapescan be used for the circumferential wall 140 if desired, such aselliptical, oval, or the like.

Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the thicknessof the circumferential wall 140 can be any suitable dimension for thecontainer made by the disclosed method. For example, as embodied hereinthe thickness of the circumferential wall 140 is about 0.018 inches,although the thickness generally can be between from about 0.005 toabout 0.05 inches. The thickness of the circumferential wall 140 can beof generally uniform thickness about the circumference, for examplevarying in thickness by no more than about 25%, or more preferably nomore than about 10%, or even more preferably no more than about 5%.

As embodied herein, the diameter of the circumferential wall 140 can beany suitable dimension for the container of the disclosed subjectmatter, such as for a 9.75-ounce container, about 1.5 inches as embodiedherein. For example, the diameter of the circumferential wall 140 can bebetween from about 1 inches and about 10 inches, depending on the sizeand shape of the container 100. In accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter and as embodied herein, a perimeter flange 150 extends radiallyinward from the circumferential wall 140. The perimeter flange 150 canextend radially inward any suitable distance, for example from about 0to about 0.2 inches. A suitable distance for the perimeter flange toextend radially inward can depend on certain factors, such as the wallthickness, an intended demoiling process, an intended sealing process,an intended capping process, an intended palletization, among others.Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter and as embodiedherein, the pair of tabs 160 extend generally within a plane P definedby the perimeter flange 150 along the upper edge 141 of thecircumferential wall 140, and are configured to define the directionalpour spout 170 therebetween for a fluid or flowable product. Forexample, and not limitation, the tabs 160 can be varied in size, shape,and relative location along the circumference to calibrate the spout 170to have the desired effect for the intended product. That is, containersfor use with different viscosity fluids can be calibrated differentlyfrom each other by altering the tab configuration.

For example, each of the tabs 160 can extend radially inward betweenabout 1% and about 50% of the diameter of the circumferential wall. Asembodied herein for purposes of illustration and not limitation, thetabs 160 each extend inward about 0.125 inches, or at least about 8% ofthe diameter, from the upper edge 141 of the circumferential wall 140.Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, and as embodiedherein, each of the tabs 160 is arcuate in plan view. However, it is tobe understood that the tabs 160 can have any other suitable shape, suchas trapezoidal, triangular, polygonal, or the like. Furthermore, thetabs 160 can extend radially inward from the perimeter flange 150 in aplane P defined by the perimeter flange 150.

As further embodied herein, the tabs 160 are spaced apart at least 10degrees about a perimeter edge 151, although different spacing can beprovided. For example, although the disclosed subject matter asillustrated in the accompanying figures only shows a pair of tabs 160,more than two tabs can be provided about the circumferential wall 140 ifdesired. For example, the circumferential wall 140 can have three ormore tabs 160 to define a separate spout 170 between each adjacent pairof tabs 160. Thus, the container 100 of the disclosed subject matter caninclude more than one pouring feature (e.g., spout) at least partiallydefined by the numbers and shapes of the tabs 160. Such additionalpouring features can, for example, provide alternative pouring anglesfor multi-directional dispensing of fluid or flowable product contentsfrom the container 100.

Additionally, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, thefinish portion 120 can be configured with a continuous, closed-loopplanar surface. For example, and as depicted in the figures forillustration, the perimeter flange 150 and pair of tabs 160 togetherdefine a continuous planar surface. As embodied herein, the perimeterflange 150 and pair of tabs 160 can define a plane P parallel with areference plane defined by the bottom support surface 111 of the mainbody portion 110 (e.g., the planar surface can be horizontal) as shownfor purposes of illustration and not limitation in FIG. 10A.Alternatively, and in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, theplanar surface can be disposed at an angle relative to the referenceplane defined by the bottom support surface 111 of the main body portion110, as shown for purposes of illustration and not limitation in FIG.10B. That is, the perimeter flange 150 and the tabs 160, or a lip edgethereon as described further below, can define a planar surface thatextends in a plane angled (i.e., not parallel) with a reference planedefined by the bottom support surface 111 of the main body portion 110.As such, and as will be described in further detail below, the perimeterflange 150 and the pair of tabs 160 can enable features that require aplanar surface, such as application of an induction seal, foil seal,membrane seal, or the like. Generally, induction seals produce superiorsealing effects as compared to conventional seals such as foam liners.In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the container 100 canthus be provided with a finish portion 120 that has both a directionalpouring feature and a seal capability.

The inner edge of the pair of tabs 160 and the perimeter flange 150 canform the perimeter edge 151 to define the mouth 130 of the finishportion 120. The pair of tabs 160 thus direct fluid or flowable contentsthrough the spout 170 when the container 100 is tilted. Furthermore, thetabs 160 can be configured to funnel fluid or flowable product towardthe spout 170 as needed. That is, even if the level of fluid or flowableproduct content exceeds the height of the pair of tabs 160, the fluid orflowable product content can be pulled to the spout 170 because the flowvelocity in the spout 170 is higher than that of the fluid or flowableproduct content flowing over the tabs 160. This differential velocitycan maintain a consistent pour stream even when the container 100 istilted at higher pour angles.

As embodied herein, the finish portion 120 can be configured such thatany fluid or flowable product in the plastic container 100 will bedispensed in a directional manner. Advantageously, the spout 170 isunitary with the container 100, avoiding a need for a separate spout170, or a more complex and costly process to reform geometry. Asembodied herein, no separate spout 170 is needed for manufacturing orassembly of the plastic container 100, and the geometry of the spout 170can be molded simultaneously with the remainder of the container 100.This design can reduce the complexity and costs of manufacturing theplastic bottle or container 100 and potentially reduces the likelihoodof leakage because no seam is formed between the single piece spout 170and the finish portion 120.

As previously noted, and in accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter, the blow-molded plastic container 100 is made from a hollowblow-molded article comprising the main body portion and the finishportion as previously set forth. That is, the finish portion includes asubstantially cylindrical circumferential wall of generally uniformthickness surrounding the mouth, the circumferential wall has an upperedge with a perimeter flange and a pair of tabs projecting radiallyinward from the circumferential wall, and the pair of tabs defines aspout therebetween. The hollow blow-molded article further comprises amoil portion extending from the perimeter flange in a direction oppositethe main body portion. The method thus comprises removing the moilportion from the perimeter flange as described further below.

For purposes of illustration and not limitation, reference is made toFIGS. 5-7, which show the hollow blow-molded article 101 comprises amoil portion 180 extending from the perimeter flange 150 in a directionopposite the main body portion 110. The perimeter flange 150 and thepair of tabs 160 define a plane P, as set forth above. As embodiedherein, the container 100 is made from the hollow blow-molded article101 by removing the moil portion 180 from the perimeter flange 150.Further in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the moilportion 180 can be of any suitable size and shape. As will be understoodby one of skill in the art, in accordance with the disclosed subjectmatter, the moil portion 180 of the hollow blow-molded article 101 canbe connected to the moil portion of another hollow blow-molded article,such that two hollow blow-molded articles are blow-molded together.Alternatively, two or more blow-molded containers can be formedconnected to a single moil portion with corresponding finish and mainbody portions extending therefrom.

A schematic image of an exemplary mold component is provided in FIG. 9,for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and as describedfurther below. Generally, the mold cavity is formed of two or more moldcomponents which, when assembled together, define the mold cavity with asurface corresponding to the outer surface of the article to be formed.Any plastic material suitable for a blow molding process can be used,including, for example, a monolayer plastic material. A monolayerplastic material can include, for example and not limitation: apolyamide, for example, nylon; a polyolefin such as polyethylene, forexample, low density polyethylene (LDPE) or high density polyethylene(HDPE), or polypropylene; a polyester, for example polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN); or others, whichcan also include additives to vary the physical or chemical propertiesof the material. For example, some plastic resins can be modified toimprove the oxygen permeability. Alternatively, the container 100 can beprepared from a multilayer plastic material. The layers can be anyplastic material, including one or more of virgin, recycled, andreground material, and can include plastics or other materials withadditives to improve physical properties of the container 100. Inaddition to the above-mentioned materials, other materials often used inmultilayer plastic containers and suitable for use in the blow-moldingprocess of the presently disclosed subject matter include, for example,ethylvinyl alcohol (EVOH) and tie layers or binders to hold togethermaterials that are subject to delamination when used in adjacent layers.Additionally, or alternatively, a coating may be applied over themonolayer or multilayer material, for example to introduce oxygenbarrier properties.

The plastic material, such as a tube or parison, is disposed within themold cavity at appropriate temperature and pressure parameters, as knownin the art, and inflated to form the hollow article 101. Afterblow-molding of the plastic material is complete to form the hollowblow-molded article, and with reference to FIG. 9 for purposes ofillustration and not limitation, after the hollow blow-molded article101 is formed, the mold components 103 are separated to release thehollow article 101 from the mold. Alternative mold assemblies are knownand can be used for blow molding the hollow article 101 having theconfiguration as disclosed.

Before or after releasing the hollow article 101 from the mold cavity,the moil portion 180 is removed from the finish portion. As disclosedherein, removing the moil portion 180 can include, for example,rotational cutting, reciprocal cutting, trimming, hot cutting, or lasercutting, among other ways known in the art. For example, and as embodiedherein, removing the moil portion 180 can comprise cutting between theperimeter flange 150 and the moil portion 180 along a plane P defined bythe perimeter flange 150, such as depicted in FIG. 5. To facilitatecutting, for example and not limitation, the hollow blow-molded article101 can be placed into contact with a cutting instrument and rotatedwith respect thereto, or vice versa.

Additionally, or alternatively, and in accordance with another aspect ofthe disclosed subject matter, removing the moil portion 180 can comprisecutting between the perimeter flange 150 and the moil portion 180 toform a beveled perimeter edge 151 having an angle α between about 0 andabout 10 degrees from a plane P defined by the perimeter flange 150, asshown in FIG. 10A. Forming a beveled perimeter edge 151 having a bevelangled between about 0 degrees and about 10 degrees from the plane Pdefined by the perimeter flange 150 can provide certain benefits. Forexample, the beveled perimeter edge 151 can reduce surface tension andforces on the fluid or flowable product to enhance flow through themouth portion 130 generally and the spout 170 specifically. Furthermore,the bevel of the perimeter edge 151 can ensure that excess product doesnot flow down the exterior of the spout 170 during or after dispensingfluid or flowable product from the container 100. Additionally, oralternatively, the bevel of the perimeter edge 151 can provide adiscrete sealing surface for the induction seal or the like, asdescribed further below.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, andwith reference to FIG. 8, for purposes of illustration and notlimitation, the container 200 and method herein can include providing alip 190 along the pair of tabs 160 and/or perimeter flange 150. That is,a lip 190 can extend upwardly from the tabs 160 and the perimeter flange150 in a direction opposite the main body portion 110. As embodiedherein, the method of making the container 200 can include removing themoil portion 180 by cutting between the lip 190 and the moil portion 180along a plane to define a planar perimeter edge of the lip. For example,and as shown in FIG. 10C for purposes of illustration and notlimitation, removing the moil portion 180 can include cutting along aplane P′ parallel to the plane defined by the perimeter flange 150 at adistance spaced from the perimeter flange 150 in the direction oppositethe main body portion 110 to create a lip 190 extending upwardly fromthe perimeter flange 150 and/or the pair of tabs 160. Alternatively, andas shown for purposes of illustration and not limitation in FIG. 10D,removing the moil portion 180 can comprise cutting between the perimeterflange 150 and the moil portion 180 at an angle relative to the planedefined by the perimeter flange 150 to form a lip 190 having a planarperimeter edge angled relative to the perimeter flange 150. Furthermore,the method disclosed herein can comprise removing the moil portion 180by cutting between the lip 190 and the moil portion 180 to form theperimeter edge of the lip 190 with a bevel angled between about 0 andabout 10 degrees from a plane defined by the planar perimeter edge ofthe lip 190. For example, as shown for purposes of illustration and notlimitation in FIG. 10C, the perimeter edge 151 can have a bevel angledrelative to the plane P′. As used herein, upwardly refers to a directionopposite the main body portion 110, but is not limited to a verticaldirection. That is, the lip 190 can be angled or arcuate relative to theperimeter flange 150.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, andwith reference to FIG. 11 for purposes of illustration and notlimitation, the finish portion 120 can further include a suitable seal300, such as a foil seal, an induction seal, or the like. Traditionally,such a seal cannot be used with a standard spout, which has a contouredor nonplanar top surface. By contrast, the seal 300 or the like can besupported by the continuous, closed-loop planar surface formed by theperimeter flange 150 and the pair of tabs 160, and/or by the planarperimeter edge 151 of the lip 190, as previously described. FIG. 11depicts, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, an exemplaryfinish portion 120 of the plastic container 100 of FIG. 1, having aplanar seal 300 affixed to the top surface. In this manner, a seal canbe used rather than a traditional compression foam cap liner. The rim ofthe seal 300 can be aligned with or extend beyond the upper edge 141 ofthe upper finish portion 120. That is, for purposes of illustration notlimitation, the induction seal 300 can extend beyond the upper edge todefine a grab area or tab 310 for the easy removal of the seal 300 asdescribed. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that,although not depicted, containers having a lip with a planar perimeteredge such as depicted in FIGS. 9, 10C, and/or 10D can include a sealsimilar to that of FIG. 11. As a result, the disclosed subject matterprovides a finish portion with a unitary spout portion having agenerally planar top surface or edge suitable for applying seals,thereby providing a robust seal.

In accordance with the embodiments of the subject matter previouslydescribed, the components of the seal 300 can be made from any suitablematerial, and the seal 300 can be affixed to the container 100 by anysuitable mechanism. For example, the seal 300 can be formed of suitablepaper, foil, polymer film, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, theseal 300 can be affixed for example to the planar surface on the finishportion 120 using induction sealing, glue sealing, or other knownmethods.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, thecircumferential wall 140 of the finish portion 120 can comprise afastener 142. For example, the fastener 142 can comprise one or more ofa thread, groove, protrusion, or other suitable fastener known in theart. Furthermore, the fastener 142 can be provided with a variety ofconfigurations, such as interrupted or continuous threads, grooves,protrusions, or the like. For example, for purposes of illustration andnot limitation, threads can be provided having a helical configurationto allow engagement with a corresponding inner thread. The fastener 142thus can provide a surface or feature for fitting or attaching one ormore additional components to the finish portion 120. For example, andas embodied herein, the fastener 142 can provide a surface for fittingor attaching a rigid or semi-rigid cap (not shown) to the finish portion120 to allow for transportation of the container 100 without damage to aseal. As such, the cap can provide a secondary barrier to the seal,e.g., during shipping, and can be replaced on the container 100 afterinitial use to provide a closure after a consumer removes the seal.Alternatively, the fastener 142 can provide a surface for fitting anynumber of known components to the finish portion 120, including forexample, dosage cups or the like. A person of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate that any existing caps in the art that are used withconventional containers can be used with the spout design withdirectional pour in the disclosed subject matter, without limitation.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, thedisclosed subject matter includes methods of making the plasticcontainer as described above. The method of the disclosed subject mattercomprises disposing a plastic material suitable for a blow-moldingprocess within a mold cavity configured to form a hollow articlecomprising a main body portion defining an interior space, a finishportion defining a mouth in fluid communication with the interior space,the finish portion having a substantially cylindrical circumferentialwall of generally uniform thickness surrounding the mouth, thecircumferential wall having an upper edge with a perimeter flange and apair of tabs projecting radially inward from the circumferential wall,the pair of tabs defining a spout therebetween, and a moil portionextending from the perimeter flange in a direction opposite the mainbody portion, inflating the plastic material within the mold cavity toform the hollow article, and removing the moil portion from theperimeter flange.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms ofcertain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosedsubject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover,although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subjectmatter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the oneembodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent thatindividual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of another embodiment or features from a plurality ofembodiments.

In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, thedisclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments havingany other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimedherein. As such, the particular features presented herein can becombined with each other in other manners within the scope of thedisclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includesany suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. Thus, theforegoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description.It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subjectmatter to those embodiments disclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the devices of the disclosedsubject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of thedisclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosedsubject matter include modifications and variations that are within thescope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A blow-molded plastic container comprising: amain body portion defining an interior space; and a finish portiondefining a mouth in fluid communication with the interior space, thefinish portion having a substantially cylindrical circumferential wallof generally uniform thickness surrounding the mouth and a spout formedtherein, wherein the blow-molded plastic container is made by: disposinga plastic material suitable for a blow molding process within a moldcavity configured to form a hollow article comprising: the main bodyportion to define the interior space, the finish portion with thesubstantially cylindrical circumferential wall, wherein thecircumferential wall has an upper edge with a perimeter flange and apair of tabs projecting radially inward from the circumferential wall,the perimeter flange and the pair of tabs together defining a continuousplanar surface along the upper edge, the pair of tabs defining the spouttherebetween, and a moil portion extending from the perimeter flange ina direction opposite the main body portion; inflating the plasticmaterial within the mold cavity to form the hollow article; and removingthe moil portion from the perimeter flange by cutting between theperimeter flange and the moil portion to form a perimeter edge having abevel angled between about 0 and about 10 degrees from the planarsurface defined by the perimeter flange and the pair of tabs.
 2. Theblow-molded plastic container of claim 1, wherein the tabs are arcuatein plan view.
 3. The blow-molded plastic container of claim 1, whereinthe tabs are spaced apart at least 10 degrees about the perimeter edge.4. The blow-molded plastic container of claim 1, wherein removing themoil portion further comprises cutting a distance spaced from theperimeter flange in the direction opposite the main body portion tocreate a lip extending upwardly from the perimeter flange and the pairof tabs.
 5. The blow-molded plastic container of claim 1, wherein themain body portion includes at least one rib, radiused portion, groove,or vacuum panel.
 6. The blow-molded plastic container of claim 1,wherein the thickness of the circumferential wall is between from about0.005 to about 0.05 inches and varies by no more than about 5%.
 7. Theblow-molded plastic container of claim 1, wherein the circumferentialwall has a diameter and the tabs extend radially inward between about 1%and about 50% of the diameter of the circumferential wall.
 8. Theblow-molded plastic container of claim 1, further comprising a sealsupported by the continuous planar surface defined by the perimeterflange and the pair of tabs.
 9. The blow-molded plastic container ofclaim 1, wherein the tabs have a height and are configured to funnel aflowable product toward the spout even if the level of flowable productexceeds the height of the tabs.
 10. The blow-molded plastic container ofclaim 1, wherein the circumferential wall comprises a fastenerconfigured to fasten a cap to the finish portion.
 11. A blow-moldedplastic container comprising: a main body portion defining an interiorspace; a finish portion defining a mouth in fluid communication with theinterior space, the finish portion having a substantially cylindricalcircumferential wall of generally uniform thickness surrounding themouth, the circumferential wall having an upper edge with a perimeterflange and a pair of tabs projecting radially inward from thecircumferential wall, the perimeter flange and the pair of tabs togetherdefining a continuous planar surface along the upper edge, the pair oftabs defining a spout therebetween; and a lip extending upwardly fromthe perimeter flange and the pair of tabs in a direction away from themain body portion, wherein the blow-molded plastic container is made by:disposing a plastic material suitable for a blow molding process withina mold cavity configured to form a hollow article comprising: the mainbody portion to define the interior space, the finish portion with thesubstantially cylindrical circumferential wall, wherein thecircumferential wall has the upper edge with the perimeter flange andthe pair of tabs projecting radially inward from the circumferentialwall, the perimeter flange and the pair of tabs together defining thecontinuous planar surface along the upper edge, the pair of tabsdefining the spout therebetween, and a moil portion extending from theperimeter flange in a direction opposite the main body portion;inflating the plastic material within the mold cavity to form the hollowarticle; and removing the moil portion from the perimeter flange bycutting a distance spaced from the perimeter flange in the directionopposite the main body portion to create the lip extending upwardly fromthe perimeter flange and the pair of tabs.
 12. The blow-molded plasticcontainer of claim 11, wherein removing the moil portion comprisescutting between the lip and the moil portion along a plane to define aplanar perimeter edge of the lip.
 13. The blow-molded plastic containerof claim 12, wherein removing the moil portion comprises cutting betweenthe lip and the moil portion to form the planar perimeter edge with abevel angled between about 0 and about 10 degrees from the plane definedby the planar perimeter edge of the lip.
 14. The blow-molded plasticcontainer of claim 11, wherein the circumferential wall comprises afastener configured to fasten a cap to the finish portion.
 15. Theblow-molded plastic container of claim 11, wherein the lip is angled orarcuate relative to the perimeter flange.
 16. The blow-molded plasticcontainer of claim 11, wherein the main body portion includes at leastone rib, radiused portion, groove, or vacuum panel.
 17. The blow-moldedplastic container of claim 11, wherein the thickness of thecircumferential wall is between from about 0.005 to about 0.05 inchesand varies by no more than about 5%.
 18. The blow-molded plasticcontainer of claim 11, wherein the circumferential wall has a diameterand the tabs extend radially inward between about 1% and about 50% ofthe diameter of the circumferential wall.
 19. The blow-molded plasticcontainer of claim 11, further comprising a seal supported by one orboth of (a) the continuous planar surface defined by the perimeterflange and the pair of tabs and (b) the lip.
 20. The blow-molded plasticcontainer of claim 11, wherein the tabs have a height and are configuredto funnel a flowable product toward the spout even if the level offlowable product exceeds the height of the tabs.
 21. A hollowblow-molded article for making a blow-molded plastic container,comprising: a main body portion defining an interior space; a finishportion defining a mouth in fluid communication with the interior space,the finish portion having a substantially cylindrical circumferentialwall of generally uniform thickness surrounding the mouth, thecircumferential wall having an upper edge with a perimeter flange and apair of tabs projecting radially inward from the circumferential wall,the perimeter flange and the pair of tabs together defining a continuousplanar surface along the upper edge, the pair of tabs defining a spouttherebetween; and a moil portion extending from the perimeter flange ina direction opposite the main body portion, the moil portion beingconfigured upon removal from the perimeter flange either to (a) form aperimeter edge having a bevel angled between about 0 and about 10degrees from the planar surface defined by the perimeter flange and thepair of tabs or (b) create a lip extending upwardly from the perimeterflange and the pair of tabs in a direction away from the main bodyportion.